Greek Film Festival opens with a romantic comedy about a life coach

The opening film of this year's Greek Film Festival has been announced; European cinema lovers await the release of the full program in the coming days.

The 29th Greek Film Festival opens on October 15 in Melbourne and Sydney with the romantic comedy “Akou Poios Milaei” (Listen to Who’s Speaking).

The film, which premieres this year, was directed by Thodoris Niarchos in 2023 and features a cast including actor Yannis Tsimitselis and stand-up comedian Labros Fisfis.

The protagonist Fotis, played by Ilias Meletis, is a life coach whom the viewer meets at a dead end in his life, both personally and professionally.

Fotis' life is in chaos due to his long working hours.

In the press release for the film, his dilemma is described as follows: “The sessions that once fulfilled him professionally no longer offer him the same inner satisfaction and he is also completely isolated in his private life.”

“At this crucial turning point for him and his career, a familiar voice will intervene, a voice he knows only in his head. Will Fotis be able to find Fotis again and fall in love before everything is lost?”

In an interview with Dimitri Kallos for Community Horizons NSW, lead actor Ilias Meletis, who also co-produced the film, said the protagonist's disorientation will resonate with most of us, as it did with him.

“I think it shows the modern man who is busy all day making money and who, as a result, lets his life go on without living it,” said Ilias.

“Without life, we should not have the experiences that we should have as human beings, work less and earn more. On the other hand, we still have more experiences.”

He said it was “a great honor” and gave him “great joy and satisfaction” that the film was chosen as the opening film of the Greek Film Festival.

“I am convinced that the Australian audience will also like the film. And I believe it will also be shown in other countries like Canada, at various festivals in the USA and also have a second life outside Greece.”

The film's official soundtrack features a pop performance by modern Laiko singer Apostolia Zoi.

In Melbourne, the Greek Film Festival's opening film will play at the Astor, Palace Cinemas Como and the Balwyn, and for the first time the festival will head further north with the show at the Palace Cinemas Pentridge.

In Sydney the premiere will take place at the Palace Cinema Norton St.

The festival's full lineup for Sydney and Melbourne (15 and 27 October), as well as Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth, will be announced shortly; screenings for the October and November dates are being finalised.

The full program can be found here